(CNN) – At the end of a week in which many Americans finalized their tax returns, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor used the weekly GOP address to warn that if Democrats remain in power, they will make "the 'tax days' of the future much much worse."

The Virginia Republican said the country is at a turning point and that Democrats don't have the right answer.

"The Democrats control every lever of power in Washington and they've never met a tax they didn't like or found a dollar they couldn't spend. Their economic plan? You pay, they spend, your children owe. You deserve better," Cantor said, adding that Republicans offer an alternative.

"But take hope. Down the other path is responsible, adult leadership, focused firmly on job creation and economic opportunity. We believe in a Congress that will once again listen to the people and return America to the country they know and love."

Read the full remarks after the jump:

"Hello. I'm House Republican Whip Eric Cantor and I have the great privilege of representing the hardworking people of Virginia's 7th District.

"This week, Americans from coast to coast sent their tax payments to Washington. Your government continues to spend more and more, and that means that your taxes are more and more. This has to stop – and you can help stop it.

"The challenges and situations faced by families, small business people, and young workers have no doubt made this tax day particularly painful. But as painful as it was, the truth is that the actions taken by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Harry Reid and the Obama Administration are going to make the 'tax days' of the future much much worse.

"President Obama has signed 25 tax increases passed by the Democratically controlled Congress into law that will cost families and small business people more than $670 billion over the next 10 years. Many of these break the President's campaign promise not to raise taxes on families making less than $250,000 a year. In the House, Speaker Pelosi and her majority have passed legislation that would result in more than a trillion – that's with a T – dollars in net tax increases.

"The Democrats control every lever of power in Washington and they've never met a tax they didn't like or found a dollar they couldn't spend. Their economic plan? You pay, they spend, your children owe. You deserve better.

"Speaking of your children, the deficits left in the wake of President Obama's agenda now stand at $1.5 trillion and will add $11 trillion to our national debt over the next 10 years. One non-partisan study reveals that to keep up with this spending, the government would have to find about half a trillion dollars each year in new revenue. That means that the tax rates on families earning slightly more than $200,000 would skyrocket to well over 70 percent.

"That's right, 70 PERCENT!

"Democrats have already made clear that more tax increases on income, capital gains and dividends are on the way. Some, including the President himself, refer to this as letting the 'Bush tax cuts' expire. But no matter how he spins it, it means you'll be paying more and more. At the end of this year, Americans will face the 'Obama tax increase,' and it will be the largest in history. As if that wasn't enough, others, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Obama Economic Advisor Paul Volcker support a European-style value-added tax (VAT).

"Higher taxes, reckless deficits, unsustainable debt and a bleak future for our kids and grandkids. We must not leave our children a country more in debt and worse off than we found it. It is our moral obligation to act now to put a stop to this.

"America is at a critical point of decision making. We are a nation at a crossroads. It is up to each of us to determine what kind of country we want to be.

"Down one path is the Democrats' trillion dollar health care overhaul, a stimulus law that failed to meet expectations for job creation, the taxpayer funded bailouts of private companies, and a cap-and-trade policy that will impose a massive energy tax upon all Americans. All are costly policies that seize more control over the economy and of our lives. The goal? To remake America in the image of Europe.

"But take hope. Down the other path is responsible, adult leadership, focused firmly on job creation and economic opportunity. We believe in a Congress that will once again listen to the people and return America to the country they know and love. We believe in a limited but effective government that provides a safety net for those who need it most, but sets no limits on opportunity or achievement. We believe that it's not enough just to talk about ending government waste. You have to take action so that we can begin to erase our deficits and free our children from our debt. And rather than putting the squeeze on our nation's job creators and entrepreneurs, we believe in a pro-growth strategy to create jobs and empower the American entrepreneur and small business people to thrive.

"This is our choice.

"I'm Eric Cantor, and on behalf of my Republican colleagues, please know that we hear your concerns and we'll work hard to get Washington working for you once again. Thank you."

soundoff(140 Responses)

And, because you were proven wrong on the middle class tax issue, now it's "The sky WILL fall in the future!! The sky WILL fall in the future!"

The only thing that Americans have to fear is fear itself – and those who promote it!

And we KNOW who those people are!

April 17, 2010 12:12 pm at 12:12 pm |

Eyckie

Well, no one spent like Republicans so we certainly understand why there is no money left.

Repubs had billiions to rebuild Iraq and their health care system but there's nothing left for the American people. Wow, they spent 5 trillion dollars added to the deficit and then stole another 2.5 trillion for themselves and their rich friends in tax breaks.

There isn't anything left to spend on the country and to feed the American people.

I want to know if the American people can please have the same consideration you gave to the Iraqi's in rebuilding their country and their health care.

April 17, 2010 12:12 pm at 12:12 pm |

Wmscot

Apparently I have nothing more to say !
All of these folks ( other than one or two right wingers) have said it all. Glad the base is getting HOT about idiots like Cantor !

April 17, 2010 12:13 pm at 12:13 pm |

cc Pennes

this guy is worse than all the dangerous people put together, because he does what boehner tells him to do, he doesn't have an original thought in his head!! and a RACISTS!!!!!!!!!

April 17, 2010 12:15 pm at 12:15 pm |

LIL JOHN

To Dave from PA–

It's somehow funny that you should use the word "Solutions".

Go to the GOP Leaders page and click on 'solutions' to find them!

Sorry that the GOP can't get the 'Air time' as Obama can , to teach you how to find the 'solutions' that have been posted since the campaign ended!

April 17, 2010 12:15 pm at 12:15 pm |

Debbie from AZ

Lord, will these people ever get a new script? This is the same old, tried and failed theory of trickle down. Make the rich richer, so they will create jobs for the working class. Didn't work so well the first time, kind of like the Contract With America, but if we try the same thing over and over, hey, maybe it will have a different outcome. Not.

April 17, 2010 12:15 pm at 12:15 pm |

Susan L.

Cantor, Republicans, and Teabaggers... All they have is projection and fear. The tax burden this year was the lowest in 60 years, but they're going to convince people that "those Democrats will raise your taxes" even though that clearly has not happened and is not in Democratic plans.

Why does anyone listen to these idiot Republicans anymore?

April 17, 2010 12:22 pm at 12:22 pm |

Jeff from Chicago

Please stop claiming Clinton left Bush a surplus. HE DID NOT. I guess it's just the same ole same ole democratic logic, lie.

You guys should go live abroad for a while and see how lucky you were living in America before Mr. Obama. With Mr. Obama’s changes we will be living like other poor countries pretty soon!

End of Bush tax cuts, probable VAT tax, 9.7% unemployment rate, etc. Are you better now than you were 2 or 3 years ago? This country is doing everything that the country I came from did before: class warfare, universal health care, redistribution of wealth...

I can’t believe his disdain for the people that disagree with him. He is separating Americans instead of bringing together. He is alienating the ones that don’t agree with him, in a condescending way. He is sounding more and more like Hugo Chavez! Either you are with me or you don’t exist!

I moved to this country and became a citizen, because I admired the American way of living: work hard and enjoy the fruits of your work. Live well and help fellow Americans who needed help. Americans were never forced to help, it was always part of the American way. Also regular Americans always helped others who needed help abroad.

I love the country where I was born, but in Brazil, working hard does not mean you will be successful! You work your whole life and don't have anything to show for when you get to old age! Sometimes you get to retire before you die… Universal health care? sure, the doctor will see you when they can...2, 3 months...Oh, don't forget to get up early and wait in line at 4:00 am to get a number to come back later and then schedule you visit for the next month or two...

I am afraid that Americans will realize how wonderful this country was when it becomes like poor countries around the world. On a beautiful Saturday morning in Florida, this is probably not the forum for my outburst, my I felt that I needed to share a little of what I have been thinking. I am very worried about our country and the way our President has been treating the ones who disagree with him. I have seen with my on eyes what this type of attitude can cause.

April 17, 2010 12:28 pm at 12:28 pm |

Typical!

I used to think Democrats spent like drunken sailors, until I saw Republicans spending like drunken Democrats.

April 17, 2010 12:29 pm at 12:29 pm |

Pam Eugene,OR

The facts do not support Cantors lies. I guess the GOP isn't going to let a small thing like truth stand in their way. The sad thing is that so many poorly educated people blindly believe them.
I am sure we will hear the Tea Baggers repeat these out and out lies because the GOP told them so.

April 17, 2010 12:38 pm at 12:38 pm |

Larry

Hey Cantor–got another job lined up yet?

November will be here soon!

April 17, 2010 12:42 pm at 12:42 pm |

Claudia, Houston, Tx

What Cantor and the GOP are saying is "let's keep Bush's tax policies for the rich only" and the hell with the rest of the country. You know when the President is working for all Americans when you hear the GOP tell big lies especially when we know taxes are down.

April 17, 2010 12:48 pm at 12:48 pm |

Willy Brown

Yeah if Obambi said eat ice cream it will make you skinny. You parrots would be singing his praises. You parrots need to read beyond the DNC talking points. He did not hand you a tax break he raised them like the one called Obamacare; the taxes that started now and you won’t get a Barry band-aids until 4 years has passed.

April 17, 2010 12:54 pm at 12:54 pm |

Prescios

Maybe if all the rich people closes all their business/companies, stop investing, and just live a quiet and simple life, I wonder what would happen to the middle and poor class....who would they turn to...? Isn't life a ......!

I say "thank you" to the rich men and women who studied and work hard to make it in life, and build these huge companies, where I was able to find a place and build upon it, in this great land of opportunity. I may not be rich, but I am thankful and grateful everyday for an opportunity to share in what these rich people have to offer. If they want to stay up long hours at night, wondering how to expand and grow their businesses so they can employ millions of people, I say Kudos!

It is so easy to blame someone else when things aren't going one's way. I say if it is Pres. BUSH's fault why we don't have jobs, then I say it is Pres. OBAMA's fault why we can't find jobs.

Again Life is a .....!

April 17, 2010 12:54 pm at 12:54 pm |

Michael from Ventura

Same rhetoric- but where was the responsible government when we GOT into this mess- YOUR PARTY was in power. Such hypocrites!

April 17, 2010 12:57 pm at 12:57 pm |

steven harnack

Now I've heard it all! The Republicans can't deny, with a straight face, that things are improving so now they have become the Oracle of Delphi seeing doom in the future if they aren't returned to power. If they are so adept at seeing the future how did we get into this mess in the first place?

April 17, 2010 12:59 pm at 12:59 pm |

No Way

The blind leading the blind. Your ditch is ahead of you come November and I can't wait until you fall in. If you think for one second, this country will be run by the Repub-liers any time soon. We will show you how to say a million NOs in November.

April 17, 2010 01:09 pm at 1:09 pm |

dj spellchecka

the fact that the gop lets an idiot like kant-error anywhere near an open mic is proof that they shouldn't be taken seriously as a party...

April 17, 2010 01:14 pm at 1:14 pm |

Dan

It's sad. Republicans are sounding more and more like one trick ponies. They all sound like campaign slogans, even when trying to be serious.

I guess they really cant be sincere or witty. :/

April 17, 2010 01:14 pm at 1:14 pm |

linda

Cantor and the rest of the GOP party of NO: Do your research and
stop your lies - George W Bush and the GOP tanked the US economy, provided tax cuts for the wealthy that put us in the toilet after a surplus that lasted a wink of an eye left by out wonderful President
William Jefferson Clinton.

You might think Americans are stupid, but you are the ones who are
being viewed as stupid because of your lies, lies, lies.

Vote this idiot and all the other GOP party of NO members out of
Congress American voters. Their fear-mongering, wingnut
stupidity needs to be put on the front pages and they need to be held accountable for their low-life mentalities.

Our new President – Mr. Obama – provided 95% of American taxpayers
tax cuts in 2009.

Under George Bush, $ 6 billion dollars of taxpayer money went down the drain through private contractors in Iraq because of rifle scopes
that were not adequately adjusted. This is just a small sample of
the amount of taxpayer money that has been wasted under George
Bush and the GOP.

How much money have the two wars cost American taxpayers?
What condition would our economy be in if it were not for the lies of
George Bush, dumbdick Cheney, Rice, and all the other liars
who involved the US in the illegal war in Iraq, and the endless
war in Afghanistan.

Wake up Americans – discard the lies of the GOP. Support our
new President – an intelligent person with a vision well beyond
the GOP who have not figured out their left foot from their right
foot!

April 17, 2010 01:15 pm at 1:15 pm |

once upon a horse

yep Eric I long for the good old days you Republicans can supply us like you did before 2009. In fact if the ideas you don't seem to have come with you if you do get back in the majority the only ones I see happy are the wealthy, Wall Street and misguided Palin supporters and Tea Party folks who just might be careful what they wish for.

April 17, 2010 01:17 pm at 1:17 pm |

Yas

Cantor you make me sick....Why don't you tell the truth...the only taxes that are going to increase are the ones that BUSH reduced for the wealthy (without them being paid for, which added to the deficit). These said taxes are just going to go back to where they were and should have stayed . If they don't the deficit will increase even more.

After all if you make over 250K you can afford to hire an accountant to find the loopholes to reduce your taxes anyway....you should know all about that.

Bottom line is that major Corporations (take EXXON for example) don't pay their fairshare in taxes anyway, because of loopholes, credits and offshore trickery/profits (again thanks to the GOP).

If you truly want to help the deficit and the people of this great country you need to work with the administration to stop these corporations from outsourcing our jobs and getting tax breaks while they are making HUGE/DISGUSTING profits instead of continually playing PARTY/OBSTRUCTIONIST POLITICS.

FACT is that taxes were reduced by the current adminstration (no thanks to the GOP) for over 95% of middle class Americans.

WAKE UP PEOPLE and see this PERSON (won't dignify him by calling him a MAN) for what he is. He is a GAMEPLAYER playing with our lives and our country and will say and do whatever it takes to win power for him and his party.

IT IS ALL SO SAD that we and our wonderful country are going to be the losers in HIS GAME if we don't say enough is enough to ALL the gameplaying and start working together with respect and compromise for the betterment of country and it's people. employers

April 17, 2010 01:18 pm at 1:18 pm |

REG in AZ

Once again the totally unified (intimidated and coerced) Republican Party is against what is needed and for placating Special Interests and the select few; what is new? Even the Republican philosophies that "government should only do for the people that which they can't do for themselves" and "the smallest government is the best government" have a flip side, an inherent responsibility that says government should be at least as big as needed and should do for the people that which they can't do for themselves; real financial reform falls completely in those categories. And further, if we could ever have political reform (get the money out of politics) all of the needed reforms would be moderate, effective and quickly achieved with responsible bipartisan cooperation. That is what the people should demand and do so by getting rid of all politicians who are against it, who obstruct it, without any regard for their party or political disguise (conservative/liberal).

April 17, 2010 01:19 pm at 1:19 pm |

Emma

What does it take for Cantor and his cohorts to figure out unregulated capitalism creates greed and the economic failure starting 8 years ago?